January detox: 10 best luxury hotel spas in the UK

If you’re not feeling your best after the excesses of Christmas, you’re far from alone — and the good news is that selecting the right spa breaks with treatments can help you face the new year fully cleansed and running at full steam.

Whether you’re in need of a deeply rejuvenating January detox and a serious kick start to your wellness goals for 2024, or simply a bit of gentle R&R, we’ve selected some of the finest luxury spa hotels in the UK for a spa day or longer stay dedicated to your wellbeing.

From lavish country mansions set in acres of parkland to spectacular seaside retreats offering the latest seaweed-infused elixirs, these are the hotels to head to for the most innovative approaches to wellness —and feeling beautiful both inside and out.

Arguably the finest luxury hotel spa in Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park scores style points with fashionistas who flock here to drink in the hotel’s beautiful interior design and get a five-star wellbeing and beauty fix.

While away the hours and unwind in the Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and steam rooms, and Relaxation Kama Room or take a plunge into the heated outdoor pool.

Treatment wise you can opt for a quick fix Revive & Glow package ( a 25-minute treatment of your choice such as a Back Massage and Elemis Express Facial and use of the indoor spa facilities), or one of the special overnight spa break offers to get a little more luxury for less, such as Escape & Unwind, which includes a 55-minute spa treatment.

The former home of illustrious poet Lord Byron, Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa is an inviting seaside haven that delivers an appealing mix of historic and contemporary design flair. Situated a stone’s throw from Seaham Beach on Durham’s stunning Heritage Coast, this luxury hotel and spa is blazing the trail in Blue Health wellness experiences.

The hotel’s award-winning Serenity Spa offers spa breaks with treatments using premium products including ishga, an organic, luxury skincare brand. Combining the purest Scottish seaweed with natural spring water, this collection of treatments from facials to seaweed body wraps promotes healthy, youthful and glowing skin. And for greater mental clarity and stress relief, you can also experience a hypnotherapy session with an expert practitioner, and a range of other holistic therapies.

If head-to-toe beauty treatments, followed by a feast of a dinner with fine wine is your idea of bliss, Berkshire’s celebrated hotel designed with oenophiles in mind, is the place for you to relax and revitalise. Located in Newbury, The Vineyard Hotel & Spa is a chic contemporary hotel that channels a laid-back California vibe — the perfect pick-me-up for winter days in the UK.

The beautiful spa with an inviting heated pool is an oasis of tranquillity and there’s a range of hotel spa packages to choose from.  The hotel has partnered with Irene Forte skincare —a range of vegan friendly and sustainable products created with natural ingredients grown on its organic farm in Sicily. Designed to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit, the treatments include the Sicilian scrub and the Forte face and body ritual.

Combine replenishing spa treatments with bracing walks in Dartmoor National Park to restore your rosy glow at one of the best spa hotels in Devon. Bovey Castle Hotel & Spa is a 275-acre country resort with a championship golf course, as well as its award-winning spa, the Elan Spa & Studio.

Unwind in an inviting oasis with indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room and work your way through the enticing treatments menu. Featuring luxury Temple Spa products, the therapies include Mediterranean Marinade and All About the Glow facials, an extensive choice of massages, plus microneedling and menopause relief treatments. And you can also stretch, breathe deeply and calm your  mind with a spot of yoga — you’ll find a range of classes with expert yoga instructors in the adjoining fitness studio.

Situated in the historic town of St Albans, Sopwell House is one of the finest luxury spa hotels in  Hertfordshire. Housed in a striking white Georgian building, the hotel has period interior design with a vibrant contemporary twist —with guestrooms to match. The Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House comprises the Cottonmill spa centre and a private member’s area, The Club at Cottonmill. Access to Cottonmill is included for all guests, but those staying in a Mews Suite can also access the exclusive Club.

Spa facilities include an  indoor pool, two vitality pools, a gym with the latest Technogym ‘Artis’ line equipment, sauna, steam room, and a poolside terrace and sitting room. Signature treatments feature products by ELEMIS and Aromatherapy Associates, and if you’re looking to kick start your fitness routine, you’ll find a wide selection of classes held in the spa’s studio.